California Assembly Votes to Legalize Hemp

California’s full Assembly has approved Senate Bill 566, a measure to legalize industrial hemp, which has already been approved by the Senate. The proposal now heads back to the Senate for concurrence, before going to the governor for final consideration.

“Industrial hemp, which is already found in hundreds of consumer products manufactured in our state, is a perfect crop for California”, says Senator Mark Leno, the prime sponsor of the proposal, “It has great potential to revitalize family farms, create new jobs and stimulate the economy.”

The measure, which is co-authored by Republican Assemblymember Allan Monsoor, would legalize the cultivation of hemp under state law, though it taking effect is contingent on a change in federal law.

“Hemp grown right here in California would stimulate massive growth in the food, body care, textiles, building and other crucial sectors that suffer from having to import less efficient materials in lieu of this lucrative industrial crop,” says David Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, which has donated tens of thousands of dollars to efforts across the country to legalize cannabis.

According to recent congressional research, the U.S. imports roughly half a billion dollars in hemp from other countries, yet retains the illegality of its cultivation. The same congressional research found that the hemp market consists of over 25,000 various products.